Sherry Collins, Top Producer Contributor
Five new RoGator, high-clearance, postemergence applicators have been introduced by AGCO Application Equipment for 2010. The new models feature larger-capacity tanks, a fold-down front entry ladder with a low first step, easy cab access, a new front-load liquid system, and a 6-post, high-visibility cab design.
The new models have lowered boom mounts and a lowered tank saddle as well as off-cab rear-view mirror mountings to give the operator increased visibility both on- and off-road. The RoGator features a wide walkway with a first step that is no higher than 14” off the ground for increased safety and operator comfort. Designed to meet the needs of both retailers and producers who are growing in farm size, the new models offer greater capacity with 900-, 1,100- and 1,300-gallon liquid systems and added horsepower.
“We have features that are about productivity,” says David Webster, director of sales for the AGCO Application Equipment Division, “We’ve got cabs that are designed for application—a 6-post design with a panoramic view; we have triple-filtered air in the cab so the operator has a healthy environment; it takes less time to fold up our booms than the competition; and we have lower reload times—our tanks can be filled in just over five minutes. Those are the things that are really important to our core customer base.”
The new front entry design makes possible a new, convenient, optional front-fill liquid system where the operator will not have to fold in spray booms in order to reload. “With the increased size and re-engineering of the boom mount system, operators will realize even faster boom-fold cycle time and changes to the plumbing and hose-routing mean the RoGators’ clean underside and simple plumbing and wiring systems are even more streamlined,” says Mark Sharitz, director of marketing for the AGGO Application Equipment Division.
Growers will also notice a slightly different color scheme, as the new 2010 models have all changed to Challenger yellow to match AGCO’s line of products. But it’s not the color that drives the bottom line, it’s the cost, says Kevin Dhuyvetter, Extension specialist, Farm Management, Kansas State University.
“Machinery management is what drives profitability,” says Dhuyvetter. “One thing that we consistently see is that cost control is a major factor, and of that, no question, machinery is a big part of it. We like to talk about high yields, we like to talk about marketing and all those things, but the reality is good machinery cost management is an extremely important factor in explaining who makes money and who doesn’t.” For figuring if sprayer ownership is the right move for an individual farm, He recommends looking at the efficiencies of sprayer ownership using a spreadsheet developed at KSU. Visit www.agmanager.info, click “farm management” then “machinery” and download the “OwnSprayer” excel document.
For more information about the five new 2010 model RoGators, visit www.rogator.com or your local AGCO Application Equipment dealer.
